While most older adults live on fixed income, they generally find that their property taxes or rent keeps increasing. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has a program that can help offset these expenses. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program aims to help reduce the expenses that those living on fixed incomes cannot afford. Those who are 65 years of age or older, as well as widows/widowers age 50 or older and disabled individuals 18 and older, may qualify for a property tax rebate, but only if they earn up to $35,000 a year. Please note that this amount is excluding half of their Social Security income. Renters are able to receive a rebate check if they earn up to $15,000 a year, again excluding half of their Social Security income.
The deadline to apply to this program is June 30, as checks will be issued beginning July 1. If you need an application, you should call the Revenue Department at 1-888-222-9190 or go to www.revenue.state.pa.us. Applications can be downloaded at this website. If you need help completing the application, please call the Lancaster County Office of Aging at 717-299-7979.